After more than two years of political stalemate, Lebanon’s parliament has elected General Joseph Aoun as the country’s president. His election marks a significant step toward addressing the country’s prolonged power vacuum and rebuilding its political stability.
Aoun, 60, a Maronite Christian as required by Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system, was backed by major political factions, including the US, France, and Saudi Arabia. His candidacy gained traction after Hezbollah’s preferred candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, withdrew and endorsed him, signaling a turning point in Lebanon’s fractious political landscape.
Key Moments Leading to Election
In the first round of voting, Aoun received 71 votes, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed. By the second round, he secured 99 votes after gaining support from Hezbollah and its ally Amal, solidifying his presidency.
Hezbollah’s Influence:
Hezbollah, the powerful Shia militia and political party, initially opposed Aoun’s candidacy but ultimately supported him, claiming their delay in the election “sent a message that we are the guardians of national consensus.”
Challenges Ahead
Aoun inherits a nation grappling with multiple crises:
- Economic Depression: Lebanon’s six-year-long financial crisis, among the worst globally, has decimated public services and livelihoods.
- Post-War Recovery: Following a recent ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, Aoun’s army is tasked with enforcing the agreement, including deploying troops to southern Lebanon to ensure Hezbollah’s disarmament by January 26.
- 2020 Beirut Explosion: The catastrophic blast left lasting scars on the nation, with rebuilding efforts still underway.
In his inaugural speech, Aoun emphasized the state’s exclusive right to bear arms, a direct challenge to Hezbollah’s military dominance, and pledged to spearhead political and economic reforms to restore trust in government institutions.
International and Domestic Reactions
The election was met with widespread relief and optimism:
- UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert described it as “a long-awaited first step” and called for the immediate formation of a government.
- French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the result as paving the way for reforms and Lebanon’s sovereignty.
- US Embassy in Beirut reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with Aoun to secure Lebanon’s future.
Television footage captured celebratory scenes across the country, with many viewing Aoun’s election as a critical milestone toward national recovery.
Symbolism and Leadership
General Aoun arrived at the swearing-in ceremony in a suit rather than his army uniform, symbolizing his transition from military leader to a unifying national figure. As president, his powers will be primarily symbolic, but his leadership will be vital in navigating Lebanon’s recovery and reform process.
With Lebanon’s future at a crossroads, Aoun’s presidency offers a glimmer of hope for a nation burdened by years of political paralysis and economic hardship.
